Vaginal fluid pH, cervicovaginitis and cervical length in pregnancy.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey. fatih.sendag@gmail.com

Abstract

AIM:

The purpose of this prospective study was to determine the possible association among vaginal fluid pH, cervicovaginitis and cervical length in singleton pregnancies at 16-22 weeks of gestation.

METHODS:

A total of 240 asymptomatic singleton pregnancies at 16-22 weeks of gestation were included to the study. Vaginal fluid pH was determined using pH paper in a sterile speculum examination, and cervical length was examined by transvaginal ultrasonographic measurement. Vaginitis was diagnosed by pH determination and wet mount smear; cervicitis was diagnosed by cervical examination. Patients were followed to delivery and hospital records were reviewed to extract obstetric information. Preterm delivery was defined as delivery at or prior to 36 weeks of gestation. Abnormal pH was defined as a pH of > 5.0. Patients with cervicovaginitis (n = 72) were compared with those without any trace of infection (n = 60).